Can you believe we’re almost to the end of the year? New Years’ Eve is just weeks away and we’re left wondering where the time has gone. 2023 was another fast but fabulous year at our Galena bed and breakfast, filled with wonderful guests and so many warm memories.

We feel so lucky to be in Galena and love hosting guests at Hawk Valley Retreat. The opportunity to share the area and this special property with others gives us no end of pleasure. We’re especially honored to host elopements and intimate weddings at our Galena bed and breakfast – and 2023 saw quite a few!

We hosted a number of other events, too in 2023. Our Cording Event Barn got quite a workout, between all the unions, get-togethers, and other special events. It even saw three separate performances by Women of Courage and Commitment, a local theatrical group highlighting important women in history.

The Hawk Valley Retreat farm was busy too, providing all manner of fresh and delicious food for our homemade breakfasts and treats. We harvested potatoes, pumpkins, cucumbers, zucchini (of course!), broccoli, rhubarb, lots of flowers, and so much more. We love sharing nature’s bounty with our guests!

Hawk Valley Retreat’s animal friends did their part, as well. Our flock of chickens continues to provide us with fresh eggs and our bee hives with fresh honey. Our goat herd gained a new member this year: a Saanen Goat named Heidi who fit right in. 2023 did see us lose our beloved rooster, Bob but his replacement, Kernal Sanders Roo, has adjusted well. Other new team members include Meriwether and Uncle Waldo; two Toulouse Dewlap geese.

Our Galena bed and breakfast was honored with a number of awards and mentions in 2023, as well.

Where To Elope named us the Best Place to Elope in the United States, and TripAdvisor selected us as a TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Winner. Only In Your State flattered us with a very nice article and we won 1st place in the Galena Halloween Parade for Crowd Favorite Walking Group.

Finally, our Farmhouse Skillet Topped with a Farm Fresh Egg made it to the Final Four of the Association of Lodging Professionals’ 2023 Breakfast Battle. The recipe was even featured in an issue of Innovations!

Of course, our biggest source of pride is not any public award but all the gracious comments and reviews we receive from our guests. Honestly, we wouldn’t do this if it weren’t for you. Knowing that we’ve helped our guests to relax and enjoy the area is SO rewarding.

2023 At Our Galena Bed and Breakfast

PJ – 5/5
December 2023
“We have been traveling to Galena for over thirty years and have stayed in cabins, homes, hotel rooms and ski resorts. Hawk Valley Retreat will be our new “go to” place to stay while visiting Galena. The drive to downtown Galena from Hawk Valley is about 10-15 minutes taking the back route. It was nice not having to deal with traffic.

We like to visit Galena during the holidays because it looks so beautiful all lit up and Hawk Valley was beautifully decorated! We stayed in the Meadow Room in the house. Although staying in a room in the house was not our first choice (pet cabin was already booked), we found the first night to be fabulous because we had the floor to ourselves. We sat by the fireplace reading and enjoyed all of the Christmas decorations on display. We also appreciated the lit tree and garland in our room. The bed was extra comfortable and the sheets were sooo soft.

Each morning Jim cooks a homemade breakfast that puts professional chefs to shame. The absolute BEST breakfasts we ever had on a vacation at a bed and breakfast (or anywhere for that matter). John also brings you a treat for your day after you finish breakfast.
After the delicious breakfast we took a walk around the beautiful property and met some of the farm animals. We especially enjoyed meeting the goats. Jim was able to fill us in on their stories and how they were adopted.

Jim and John are wonderful hosts. They are there if you need them, but invisible when you don’t. John is very quick to respond to texts if needed.
We appreciated the wonderful hospitality and highly recommend Hawk Valley Retreat to anyone looking for a special experience. John and Jim are wonderful hosts.“

Danielle Halverson – 5/5
November 2023
“My husband and I loved everything about our stay! Our cottage was cozy and intimate, the breakfasts were to die for, the sunset views were gorgeous and our campfires were complete with howling coyotes, hooting owls and honking geese! We will most definitely be back!! John and Jim were great hosts and we loved all of the little extras to make the stay even more special. ❤️“

Ashley Horner – 5/5
November 2023
“My wife and I were looking for somewhere small and intimate for us to elope. After searching for places in the galena area we came across Hawk Valley and were SOLD just by the pictures. Jim and John were both very communicative the 2 weeks leading up to our planned elopement and they made sure that we had everything we wanted for our wedding. Now fast forward to our time at Hawk Valley, boy did we NOT want to leave. Jim and John made our wedding absolutely incredible and just our overall experience a delight! Never did we ever think a wedding with no family and friends could feel so amazing and personal. The detail and thought that they both put into our special day left us speechless, it was everything we both wanted and SO much more. I mean, they even cooked us breakfast in the morning and oh my lordddd was is delicious! My wife and I both agreed that we will make sure to make it back here at least once a year for a get away for a beautiful remembrance of an amazing wedding.“

Bailey Stracner – 5/5
September 2023
“I can’t speak highly enough about our stay and experience at Hawk Valley! My husband and I got married there this past weekend and it was absolutely perfect. From the Hillside cottage we stayed in, the FOOD(absolutely delicious), the nature, the animals, the elopement package/mini moon package, the ceremony, the pictures, the everything, it was absolutely wonderful. 100/10 recommend, and we cannot wait to come back. Thank you so much, Jim and John for this experience and all that you both do. Outstanding. “

Mary Pat Henke – 5/5
July 2023
“My husband and I enjoyed our 3rd stay at Hawk Valley Retreat! Jim and John offer 5-star accommodations and dining! The grounds are so peaceful and gorgeous. We enjoyed each scrumptious meal in the gorgeous barn! My gluten-free dietary needs were met with delectable results! No one walks away hungry at Hawk Valley. We enjoyed our peaceful nature walk on Hawk Valley’s hiking trail! Bring your camera to take pictures of the beautiful grounds, Hawk Valley’s goats, roosters, and chickens, various birds, chipmunks, and the food!

Hawk Valley is located within a few miles of Galena Cellars’ Vinyard, and about 10 miles from adorable downtown Galena. We LOVED our experience at “Hoof It Goat Trex.” We walked with a bunch of adorable goats while learning about these sweet and entertaining animals! As always we enjoyed the charm and history of downtown Galena. We caught great live music at the Grape Escape Lounge and at Gelena Cellars’ downtown tavern. Galena’s 4th of July fireworks were spectacular! Our last visit we enjoyed traveling across the border to see the Missisissippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque, Iowa. We always enjoyed our peaceful retreats back to Hawk Valley after sight seeing. The bed sheets are the softest ever! Enjoy!“

Hawk Valley Retreat Holiday Package & Gift Certificates

Come spend the holidays with us and enjoy our Holiday Package! This seasonal special includes:

•  A hot Slow-Cooker or Loaf and Ladle meal waiting for you on arrival
• Breakfasts in the decorated Cording Event Barn
• A Hawk Valley Retreat Christmas Ornament
• A dozen homemade Christmas Cookies to take home with you.

All for only $95 plus the price of two nights in one of our rooms decorated for Christmas. The Holiday Package is available now through January 7, 2024. Book your holiday stay at Hawk Valley Retreat today!

Wanting to gift someone else with a stay at our Galena bed and breakfast? You can, with Hawk Valley Retreat gift certificates!

Hawk Valley Retreat gift certificates make an excellent gift. They have no set amount, can be used for almost anything at the inn, and are good for up to five years from date of issue. Best of all, they’re very easy to purchase. Simply fill out the form, make your payment, and you’re done. Instant Galena getaway!

Happy Holidays from Jim and John at Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages.